Lamine Yamal recently marked his 18th birthday with a party where professional dwarves were reportedly hired as entertainers. The Spanish government plans to investigate after receiving a complaint from The Association of People with Achondroplasia and Other Skeletal Dysplasias with Dwarfism (ADEE).
A statement by the ADEE criticizing Yamal stated:
“The Association of People with Achondroplasia and Other Skeletal Dysplasias with Dwarfism (ADEE), a member organization of the Spanish Confederation of People with Physical and Organic Disabilities (COCEMFE), condemns and publicly denounces the hiring of people with dwarfism as part of the entertainment at the recent 18th birthday party of soccer player Lamine Yamal.
“The Association announces that it will take legal and social action to safeguard the dignity of people with disabilities, considering that these actions violate not only current legislation but also the fundamental ethical values of a society that seeks to be egalitarian and respectful.
“During the birthday of the young footballer, a prominent figure in Spanish sport, people with dwarfism were hired solely for entertainment and promotional activities. ADEE considers this type of practice intolerable because it perpetuates stereotypes, fuels discrimination, and undermines the image and rights of those with achondroplasia or other skeletal dysplasias, as well as all people with disabilities.”
Yamal has however been defended by an entertainer at the party, who told the media outlet RAC1 anonymously that everyone was respectful and allowed them to work undisturbed.
“I don’t understand why there’s so much hype. We’re normal people, who do what we want, in an absolutely legal way.
“For a couple of years now these people have been harming us, they want to ban a job that we like, and in no case have they offered jobs or courses to the affected people. We work as entertainers.”
Explaining what their job entailed at the party, the entertainer said, “We dance, we distribute drinks, we do magic … there are many types of shows… All this mess was formed just because it was Lamine Yamal’s party.”
